FAQs – Eligibility

To receive unemployment benefit payments, you must meet all eligibility requirements when filing a claim and when certifying for benefits.

I was fired from my job. Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

If you were fired from your job, we will conduct a phone interview with you, email you with instructions on how to complete your Eligibility Questionnaire online, or mail you a paper questionnaire, Request for Eligibility Information (DE 4365FF) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

I just quit my job. Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

If you quit your job, we will conduct a phone interview with you and your employer after your file your claim to determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

If you quit your job, you must show that there was good cause for leaving, and that you made all reasonable attempts to keep your job (such as requesting a leave of absence or transfer).

Note: Good cause can include unsafe working conditions, a medical doctor’s advice, or protecting yourself or your child from domestic violence.

What if I lost my job and cannot work because of a disaster?

If you are unemployed due to a disaster, you may be eligible for UI benefits or Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Can I attend school or training and receive unemployment benefits?

If you are qualified, the California Training Benefits (CTB) program allows you to continue receiving benefits while in training that is approved by the EDD.

For more information, review:

• California Training Benefits Program Fact Sheet (DE 8714U) (PDF)
• Tips for Qualifying for the California Training Benefits Program (DE 2332) (PDF)
• Training Resources for Job Seekers

If you attend school or training and are not eligible for the CTB program, you may still qualify for UI benefits if you continue to be available for work and actively seek work.

What if I am sick or injured, and cannot work?

If you are not eligible for unemployment benefits because you are sick or injured, file a claim with Disability Insurance.

What if I am taking care of a seriously ill family member or bonding with my new child, and cannot work?

If you are caring for a family member or bonding with a new child, you can file a claim with California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. Caring for a new child includes the birth of a child, adoption, or foster care placement.

Note: You cannot receive PFL benefits for the same period of time you receive UI or Disability Insurance benefits.

How does vacation pay or holiday pay affect my eligibility to receive unemployment benefits?

If you were given a definite return-to-work date at the time you were laid off, we may deduct vacation or holiday pay from your benefits.

• If you are not given a definite return-to-work date, any vacation or holiday pay you receive when your job ends is not deducted from your weekly benefit amount.
• If you are given a definite return-to-work date, any vacation or holiday pay for the period of the temporary layoff is deducted from your benefits. We will allocate your vacation and holiday pay as follows:
  • Vacation pay will be allocated to match the number of days you requested vacation, or the number of days your employer required you to use as vacation during the temporary layoff.
  • Holiday pay that is paid before you return to work will be allocated to match the holiday weeks. Holiday pay that is paid after you return to work will be allocated to match the week that you return to work.

  I received a Notice of Determination (DE 1080CZ) and I am not eligible for benefits. What should I do?

  You have the right to file an appeal if you do not agree with all or part of our decision. For more information, visit Unemployment Insurance Appeals.

  I’m not a US citizen. Can I collect UI benefits?

  To collect UI benefits, you must show that you were in satisfactory immigration status and authorized to work in the United States when earning the wages you used to establish your claim.

  You must also give proof that you are currently in satisfactory immigration status, and are authorized to work each week that you claim benefits.

  Note: The EDD verifies immigration status and work authorization through the Department of Homeland Security.

  Money was taken out of my check while I was working. Why am I not eligible for unemployment benefits?

  Unemployment benefits are paid for by employer taxes. No deductions are taken from your wages. If you believe you are owed benefits, you have the right to file an appeal.